Postdoc for marine molecular chronobiology (f/x/d/m)

Role: Postdoc for marine molecular chronobiology (f/x/d/m)
Organisation: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI), part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
Location: Bremerhaven, Germany

Background
The position will be located in the BICLOPS group, which investigates Biological Clocks in Pelagic Systems. Affiliated with the Marine Chronobiology working group, it is part of the AWI section Polar Biological Oceanography, which uses a wide spectrum of physiological and genetic analyses to understand biological processes in the open ocean. The focus of the advertised position is on the mechanistic understanding of the circadian clock system in a key North Atlantic zooplankton species, the copepod Calanus finmarchicus. Like countless other pelagic organisms, the copepods perform diel vertical migrations that directly determine the environmental cycles they encounter. As environmental cycles synchronise clocks and clocks affect migration behavior, this creates a chicken-and-egg paradox. We aim to understand how circadian clocks can function in such “self-made” pelagic environments.

Responsibilities (Your Tasks)
- Analysis of the functional interactions of Calanus circadian clock components, including the use of cell culture assays (e.g. Drosophila S2 cells)
- Establishment of Calanus mutant strains via CRISPR-based targeted mutagenesis, including the development/optimisation of microinjections and genotyping protocols
- Phenotype characterisation of Calanus circadian clock mutant rhythmicity
- Possibility to participate in student supervision and teaching activities

Requirements (Your Profile)
- PhD in molecular biology, genetics, marine biology, biotechnology or a related field
- Experience with cell culture work
- Experience with molecular work (e.g. cloning, sequence analysis, gene editing)
- Motivation to explore a new topic (marine chronobiology)
- Ability to work in a team
- Good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B1+B2)

Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Experience in chronobiology
- Experience with marine and/or non-model organisms
- Experience with in situ stainings (FISH, immunohistochemistry, HCR)
- Experience with physiological and/or behavioral analysis
- Experience with marine biological field work and/or eDNA

What They Offer
- Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions
- Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions
- Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners
- An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world
- Opportunities for professional and personal development
- Flexible working hours
- Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund)
- Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit
- Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services (e.g. holiday programmes) as well as advice on family and care responsibilities
- Occupational pension scheme (VBL)
- Support for settling in through the Family Office and International Office

Diversity and Inclusion
AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.